Johnny Marr

Marr was born on 31 October 1963 in Saint Mary's Hospital in Manchester,{{Cite book|last=Carman|first=Richard|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Gya3DwAAQBAJ&pg=PT13|title=Johnny Marr − The Smiths & the Art of Gunslinging|date=2015-11-05|publisher=Music Press Books|page=13|isbn=978-1-78418-930-3|language=en}} son of John Joseph Maher and Frances Patricia Doyle, Irish emigrants to England from County Kildare.{{Cite news |last=Sturges |first=Fiona |date=10 January 2003 |title=Johnny Marr: Marr's attacks |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/johnny-marr-marrs-attacks-601125.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090331165419/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/johnny-marr-marrs-attacks-601125.html |archive-date=31 March 2009 |access-date=27 March 2010 |newspaper=The Independent |location=London, UK}} The family lived in Ardwick Green{{sfn|Marr|2016|p=3}} and moved to Wythenshawe in 1972.{{Cite web |last=Waite |first=Richard |date=2015-04-14 |title=Johnny Marr: 'Most of the new houses I've seen look shit' |url=http://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/practice/culture/johnny-marr-most-of-the-new-houses-ive-seen-look-shit |access-date=2022-03-31 |website=The Architects’ Journal |language=en}} Marr attended St Aloysius Primary School in Ardwick before moving to Sacred Heart Primary School.{{sfn|Marr|2016|pp=11,23}} From 1975, he attended St Augustine's Catholic Grammar School, which in 1977 merged with other schools to form St John Plessington High School.{{cite web|title=The Smiths|url=http://www.staugs.org|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120911204250/http://www.staugs.org/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=11 September 2012|work=St Augustine's Grammar School Old Boys|access-date=11 April 2011}}{{cite web|title=Brief History of St Augustine's Grammar School|url=http://www.staugs.org/history.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130415224459/http://www.staugs.org/history.htm|url-status=usurped|archive-date=15 April 2013|website=Staugs.org/history.htm|access-date=11 April 2011}} Marr had aspirations to be a professional football player. He was approached by Nottingham Forest and had trials with Manchester City's youth team.{{cite book |last=Middles |first=Mick |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=W4OiNwAACAAJ |title=Factory: The Story of the Record Label |publisher=Virgin Books |year=2009 |edition= |location=London |page=42|isbn=978-0-7535-1825-0 }}{{sfn|Marr|2016|p=69}}

Marr's said his family's move to Wythenshawe was "like we'd moved to Beverly Hills", and that the move led to him meeting "a bunch of guitar players" which "changed his life".{{sfn|Marr|2016|p=21}}[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kl80Wj3ncEI Johnny Marr w/Billy Duffy], telling the audience how far back their relationship goes (live@The Fillmore, SF - 13 April 2013, posted to YouTube on 4/15/2013) Guitarist Billy Duffy, later a member of the Cult, was in a high school band that practised across the street from Marr's new house, and Marr would hang out listening to them rehearsing.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tItYAZSDhd8 |title=BOSS YourTone Artists — Billy Duffy Interview |date=2012-11-16 |last=rolandmedia |access-date=2024-08-14 |via=YouTube}} He learned to play the guitar with LP vinyl records and a guitar chords dictionary without a teacher.{{cite magazine |last=Holé |first=Mélanie |date=2012 |title=Johnny Marr: L'élégance à l'anglaise |trans-title=Johnny Marr: English elegance |magazine=Guitarist & Bass Magazine |language=fr |location=Montreuil, Seine-Saint-Denis |publisher=Duchâteau-Voisin |issue=255 |page=39 |oclc=644431866}} Marr formed his first band, the Paris Valentinos, at the age of 13, with Andy Rourke (who had gone to the same high school as Duffy) and Kevin Williams (later an actor, known as Kevin Kennedy), performing for the first time at a Jubilee party in Benchill in June 1977, playing Rolling Stones and Thin Lizzy covers.{{sfn|Rogan|1994|pp=22–23}}

In 1979, he played a single gig at Wythenshawe Forum with a band called Sister Ray and re-united with Rourke in a band called White Dice. White Dice entered a demo-tape competition organised by NME and won an audition for F-Beat Records, which they attended in April 1980 but were not signed.{{sfn|Rogan|1994|pp=29–31}} Around the age of 14, he began spelling his name "Marr" to simplify the pronunciation for those who had difficulty with his birth name "Maher", and to avoid confusion with Buzzcocks drummer John Maher.{{cite magazine |title=Former Smiths guitarist releases debut album 'The Messenger' in February 2013|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/johnny-marr-73-1260850 |magazine=NME|access-date=8 March 2018|date=2012-11-19 }}

In October 1980, Marr enrolled at Wythenshawe College, and was President of their Student Union.{{sfn|Rogan|1994|p=31}} White Dice dissolved in 1981. Marr and Rourke then formed a funk band, Freak Party, with Simon Wolstencroft on drums. Around this time, Marr first met Matt Johnson, with whom he later collaborated.{{sfn|Rogan|1994|pp=32–33}}

{{Main|The Smiths}}

By early 1982, Freak Party had fizzled out, being unable to find a singer. Marr approached Rob Allman, singer in White Dice, who suggested Steven Morrissey, a singer with the short-lived punk band the Nosebleeds. Marr approached a mutual friend, Stephen Pomfret, asking to be introduced and they visited Morrissey at his house in Kings Road, Stretford, in May.{{sfn|Rogan|1994|p=37}}

Marr's jangly Rickenbacker and Fender Telecaster guitar playing became synonymous with the Smiths' sound. Marr's friend Andy Rourke joined as bass player and Mike Joyce was recruited as drummer. Signing to indie label Rough Trade Records, they released their first single, "Hand in Glove", on 13 May 1983. By February 1984, the Smiths' fanbase was sufficiently large to launch the band's long-awaited debut album to number two in the UK chart. Early in 1985, the band released their second album, Meat Is Murder. It was more strident and political than its predecessor, and it was the band's only album (barring compilations) to reach number one in the UK charts. During 1985 the band completed lengthy tours of the UK and the US while recording the next studio record, The Queen Is Dead.

In 1989 Spin magazine rated The Queen is Dead as number one of "The Greatest Albums Ever Made". Spin was not alone in this designation—numerous periodicals rank the Smiths and their albums, especially The Queen is Dead, high on their best ever lists. NME, for example, has dubbed the Smiths the most important rock band of all time. A legal dispute with Rough Trade had delayed the album by almost seven months (it had been completed in November 1985), and Marr was beginning to feel the stress of the band's exhausting touring and recording schedule. He later told NME, "'Worse for wear' wasn't the half of it: I was extremely ill. By the time the tour actually finished it was all getting a little bit... dangerous. I was just drinking more than I could handle."{{cite web|author=Kelly, Danny |date=14 February 1987 |title=Exile on Mainstream |format=http |work=NME, cited at Foreverill.com |url=http://foreverill.com/interviews/1987/exile.htm |access-date=22 April 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928031722/http://foreverill.com/interviews/1987/exile.htm |archive-date=28 September 2007 }} Meanwhile, Rourke was fired from the band in early 1986 due to his use of heroin, although he was reinstated in short order. Despite their continued success, personal differences within the band—including the increasingly strained relationship between Morrissey and Marr—saw them on the verge of splitting.

In July 1987, Marr left the group, and auditions to find a replacement for him proved fruitless. By the time Strangeways, Here We Come (named after Strangeways Prison, Manchester) was released in September, the band had split up.{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/articles/ca2e0e30-afaa-4bc6-86d9-53343d9ddf41 | title=10 of the most dramatic resignations in rock and pop - BBC Music| date=2016-07-06}} The breakdown in the relationship has been primarily attributed to Morrissey's becoming annoyed by Marr's work with other artists and Marr's growing frustration with Morrissey's musical inflexibility. Referring to the songs recorded in the group's last session together (B-sides for the "Girlfriend in a Coma" single, which preceded the album's release), Marr said "I wrote 'I Keep Mine Hidden', but 'Work Is a Four-Letter Word' I hated. That was the last straw, really. I didn't form a group to perform Cilla Black songs".{{cite web|author=Rogan, Johnny |date=November–December 1992 |title=The Smiths: Johnny Marr's View |format=http |work=Record Collector, cited at Foreverill.com |url=http://foreverill.com/interviews/post87/marrview.htm |access-date=22 April 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070427094304/http://foreverill.com/interviews/post87/marrview.htm |archive-date=27 April 2007 }} In 1989, in an interview with young fan Tim Samuels, later a BBC journalist, Morrissey said the lack of a managerial figure and business problems were to blame for the band's eventual split.{{cite web|author=David Tseng|url=http://www.morrissey-solo.com/content/interview/greenscene/index4.html|title="Meat Is Murder" (from "Greenscene", 1989), page 4|website=Morrissey-solo.com|access-date=23 January 2013}} In a 2016 interview, Marr agreed with this.{{cite news|author=Simon Hattenstone |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/oct/29/johnny-marr-the-smiths-morrissey-simon-hattenstone?CMP=twt_gu |title=Johnny Marr: 'The conversation about re-forming came out of the blue' | Music |newspaper=The Guardian |date= 2016-10-29|access-date=15 May 2017}}

In 1996, Smiths' drummer Mike Joyce took Morrissey and Marr to court, arguing that he had not received his fair share of recording and performance royalties. Morrissey and Marr had received most of the Smiths' recording and performance royalties, and allowed ten per cent each to Joyce and Rourke. Composition royalties were not an issue, as Rourke and Joyce had never been credited as composers for the band. Morrissey and Marr said the other two members of the band had always agreed to that split of the royalties, but the court found in favour of Joyce and ordered that he be paid over £1 million in back pay and receive 25% thenceforth.{{cite web|author=BBC News|date=11 December 1996|title=Rock band drummer awarded £1m payout|format=http|website=Cemetrygates.com|url=http://www.cemetrygates.com/vault/news/court.html|access-date=22 April 2007}}{{Cite web |date=1 June 2021 |title=What actually went down during The Smiths' lawsuit? - Far Out Magazine |url=https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/the-smiths-breakup-lawsuit-marr-morrissey-rourke/ |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=faroutmagazine.co.uk}}{{Cite news |last=McGreevy |first=Ronan |date=3 October 2022 |title=The Smiths' Mike Joyce: 'I know people say never say never but 'never' is the most appropriate word' |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/music/2022/10/03/the-smiths-mike-joyce-i-know-people-say-never-say-never-but-never-is-the-most-appropriate-word/ |access-date=2024-08-14 |newspaper=The Irish Times |language=en}}

Marr and Morrissey have repeatedly stated they will not reunite the band.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/article/2024/aug/30/morrissey-claims-johnny-marr-ignored-lucrative-smiths-reunion-offer|first=Mark|last=Brown|date=30 August 2024|title=Morrissey claims Johnny Marr ignored lucrative Smiths reunion offer|website=The Guardian|quote=“I would rather eat my own testicles than reform the Smiths, and that’s saying something for a vegetarian.”}} In 2005, VH1 attempted to get the band back together on its Bands Reunited show but abandoned its attempt after the show's host, Aamer Haleem, failed to corner Morrissey before a show. In December 2005 it was announced that Johnny Marr and the Healers would play at Manchester v Cancer, a benefit show for cancer research being organised by Andy Rourke and his production company, Great Northern Productions.{{cite web|author=Cohen, Jonathan|year=2005|title=Smiths Members Regrouping For Cancer Benefit|website=Billboard.com|url=https://billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1001659262|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060220060435/http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1001659262|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 February 2006|access-date=15 August 2006}} Rumours suggested that a Smiths reunion would occur at this concert but were dispelled by Marr on his website.{{cite web|date=16 December 2005|title=Johnny and the Healers play Manchester Versus Cancer charity concert|website=Jmarr.com|url=http://www.jmarr.com|access-date=22 April 2007}}

In an October 2007 interview on BBC Radio 5 Live, Marr hinted at a potential reformation in the future, saying that "stranger things have happened so, you know, who knows?" Marr went on to say that "It's no biggy. Maybe we will in 18 or 32 years' time when we all need to for whatever reasons, but right now Morrissey is doing his thing and I'm doing mine, so that's the answer really." This was the first indication of a possible Smiths reunion from Marr, who previously had said that reforming the band would be a bad idea.{{cite web |last=Parrack |first=Dave |date=October 23, 2007 |title=Johnny Marr Doesn't Rule Out Smiths Reunion With Morrissey |url=http://britmusicscene.com/johnny-marr-doesnt-rule-out-smiths-reunion-with-morrissey |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080820031303/http://britmusicscene.com/johnny-marr-doesnt-rule-out-smiths-reunion-with-morrissey/ |archive-date=20 August 2008 |access-date=8 January 2008 |website=BritMusicScene.com}} In 2008 Marr and Morrissey met and discussed the possibility of a reunion, but after initial enthusiasm from both parties, neither pursued the idea.{{cite news|title=The conversation about re-forming the Smiths came out of the blue'|newspaper=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/oct/29/johnny-marr-the-smiths-morrissey-simon-hattenstone|date=2016-10-29|last1=Hattenstone|first1=Simon}}

Marr's guitar playing "was a huge building block" for more Manchester bands that followed the Smiths. The Stone Roses guitarist John Squire has stated that Marr was a major influence.{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/music/3005033.stm|work=BBC News|title=The Smiths: The influential alliance|date=13 May 2003|access-date=27 March 2010}} Oasis lead guitarist Noel Gallagher credited the Smiths as an influence, especially Marr, whom he described as a "fucking wizard", also stating that "he's unique, you can't play what he plays."{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1MsuoNJQ3U| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070322182309/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1MsuoNJQ3U&mode=related&search=| archive-date=2007-03-22 | url-status=dead|title=Noel Gallagher on the Smiths|publisher=YouTube|date=10 April 2006|access-date=23 January 2013}}

In August 2024, Morrissey said in a post on his website that he and Marr had received a "lucrative offer" to tour as the Smiths in 2025.{{cite web |last1=Morrissey |title=WAR IS OLD, ART IS YOUNG |url=https://www.morrisseycentral.com/messagesfrommorrissey/war-is-old-art-is-young |website=Morrissey Central |access-date=2 September 2024}} The singer said he had accepted the invitation, but that Marr did not respond. Marr did not publicly comment, but had recently posted a picture of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage to rebuke calls to reunite in the aftermath of Oasis's reunion. Marr previously said in 2016 that Morrissey's politics aligned with Farage's, joking that any potential Smiths reunion would feature the politician as their replacement guitarist.{{cite web |last1=Long |first1=Chris |title=Morrissey claims Johnny Marr 'ignored' 2025 Smiths reunion offer |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp352111wyxo |website=BBC News |access-date=2 September 2024}} Weeks later, on Marr's official Instagram, Marr's management issued an official statement in response to Morrissey's claims that Marr ignored the offer: "As for the offer to tour, I didn't ignore the offer - I said no."{{cite web|title=Johnny Marr Responds to Morrissey's Claims About Smiths Reunion Tour, Name Ownership: 'It Was Left to Me to Protect the Legacy'|work=Variety|date=17 September 2024 |url=https://variety.com/2024/music/news/smiths-johnny-marr-responds-to-morrissey-reunion-tour-1236147686/}}

Marr's statement also clarified other claims made by Morrissey's team on Morrissey's website such as that Marr had filed for 100% ownership of the Smiths' intellectual property and trademark rights without having consulted with Morrissey despite the fact that "Morrissey alone created the musical unit name "The Smiths' in May 1982".{{cite web | title=MESSAGES FROM MORRISSEY | website=MORRISSEY CENTRAL | date=16 September 2024 | url=https://www.morrisseycentral.com/messagesfrommorrissey/the-plot-thickens | access-date=22 September 2024}} In Marr's statement, it was clarified that Marr discovered that the band did not own the trademark, and in an effort to protect the trademark from a third party attempt made in 2018 to use the band's name, Marr registered the trademark solely under his name after a failure to receive a response from Morrissey and his representatives. In January 2024, Marr signed an agreement to share ownership of the name with Morrissey, an agreement Morrissey has yet to follow up on. Marr further clarified that the efforts to take the trademark were not to tour under the Smiths' name with a singer of Marr's choice (contrary to the claims made by Morrissey's team), but rather simply to protect the band's name and use of the name.

In August 1987, Marr was very briefly an official member of the Pretenders. In late 1987, he toured with the band and appeared on the single "Windows of the World" b/w "1969".{{cite web|last=Barker |first=Emily |url=https://www.nme.com/photos/johnny-marr-s-10-greatest-riffs/340242 |title=Johnny Marr's 10 Greatest Riffs|work=NME|date=30 May 2014}}{{Cite news |last=Williams |first=Zoe |date=2023-06-24 |title=The Pretenders at Glastonbury review – Chrissie Hynde in the pocket with Johnny Marr and Dave Grohl |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/jun/24/the-pretenders-at-glastonbury-review-chrissie-hynde-johnny-marr-dave-grohl-paul-mccartney |access-date=2024-08-14 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}} He then left the Pretenders, and recorded and toured with The The from 1988 to 1994, recording two albums with the group.{{Cite web |last=Moayeri |first=Lily |date=November 30, 2021 |title=A Typically Hectic Day in the Life of The The's Matt Johnson |url=https://floodmagazine.com/96840/the-thes-matt-johnson-feature/ |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=FLOOD |language=en}} He simultaneously formed Electronic with New Order's Bernard Sumner. Electronic were intermittently active throughout the 1990s, releasing their final album in 1999.{{Cite web |last=Phelan |first=Laurence |date=18 July 1999 |title=How we met: Johnny Marr & Bernard Sumner |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/how-we-met-johnny-marr-bernard-sumner-1107290.html |website=The Independent}}

In 1992 Marr and Billy Duffy recorded a cover version of Ennio Morricone's The Good, the Bad and the Ugly for the NME compilation album Ruby Trax.{{Citation |title=Various - Ruby Trax (The NME's Roaring Forty) |date=October 1992 |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/1187528-Various-Ruby-Trax-The-NMEs-Roaring-Forty |language=en |access-date=2022-03-23}}{{Cite book |last=Luerssen |first=John D. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tE_NCgAAQBAJ |title=The Smiths FAQ: All That's Left to Know About the Most Important British Band of the 1980s |date=2015-08-01 |publisher=Backbeat Books |isbn=978-1-4950-4596-7 |pages=336 |language=en}}

Marr has worked as a session musician and writing collaborator for artists including Pet Shop Boys, Bryan Ferry, Billy Bragg, Kirsty MacColl, Black Grape, Jane Birkin, Talking Heads, and Beck.{{cite magazine |last=Hendrickson |first=Matt |date=1999-10-14 |title=Beck is in the Studio, Recording 'Midnite Vultures' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/beck-is-in-the-studio-recording-midnite-vultures-244056/ |magazine=Rolling Stone}} Marr played guitar on four songs on Talking Heads' final album Naked, including the single "(Nothing But) Flowers", and he prominently appears in that song's music video.{{cite web |last=Kane |first=Tyler |date=26 February 2013 |title=10 Great Johnny Marr Guitar Moments |url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/johnny-marr/10-great-johnny-marr-guitar-riffs/ |access-date=9 March 2023 |website=Pastemagazine.com |language=en}}

Marr played guitar on several Pet Shop Boys songs; he continues to have guest appearances on their albums, with his most significant contribution on Release (2002). The only remix that Marr has ever done was for Pet Shop Boys—it was a mix of his favourite track from their 1987 album, Actually, called "I Want to Wake Up", and was released as the b-side to 1993's "Can You Forgive Her?". He later worked as a guest musician on the Oasis album Heathen Chemistry.{{Cite web |last=Trendell |first=Andrew |date=2023-06-10 |title=Noel Gallagher on working with Johnny Marr: "He's the G.O.A.T." |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/noel-gallagher-working-with-johnny-marr-smiths-goat-dukes-manchester-3453642 |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=NME |language=en-GB}}

In 2000, Marr recruited drummer Zak Starkey (son of Ringo Starr), Cavewaves guitarist Lee Spencer and former Kula Shaker bassist Alonza Bevan for his new project, Johnny Marr and the Healers. The band had taken two years to form as Marr had wanted members to be chosen "by chemistry". Their debut album Boomslang was released in 2003, with all lyrics and lead vocals by Marr. Their most recent release was a free downloadable track called "Free Christmas" in December 2011, while the album was re-released in 2024.{{Cite web |last=Biggane |first=Dan |date=2024-07-17 |title=Johnny Marr + the Healers' Boomslang special edition |url=https://www.classicpopmag.com/2024/07/johnny-marr-the-healers-boomslang-special-edition/ |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=Classic Pop Magazine |language=en-US}}

File:Johnnymarrfree.jpg

Marr performed two Smiths songs and music by others with a supergroup called 7 Worlds Collide consisting of members from Pearl Jam, Radiohead, Split Enz and others, assembled by Neil Finn of Split Enz and Crowded House in 2001.{{Cite news |last=Dowling |first=Stephen |date=2001-04-15 |title=One Nil to Neil |url=https://www.theguardian.com/theobserver/2001/apr/15/featuresreview.review3 |access-date=2024-08-14 |work=The Observer |language=en-GB |issn=0029-7712}} A second set of concerts took place in December 2008/January 2009, and an album of new studio material titled The Sun Came Out was released in August 2009 to raise money for Oxfam.{{Cite web |last=Deusner |first=Stephen M. |title=7 Worlds Collide: The Sun Came Out |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/13512-the-sun-came-out/ |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=Pitchfork |language=en-US}}

In addition to his work as a recording artist, Marr has worked as a record producer. In 2006, he began work with Modest Mouse's Isaac Brock on songs that eventually were featured on the band's 2007 release, We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank. The band subsequently announced that Marr was a fully fledged member, and the reformed line-up toured extensively throughout 2006–07.{{cite magazine |date=3 February 2006 |title=Isaac Brock Collaborating With Johnny Marr |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/59817/isaac-brock-collaborating-with-johnny-marr |access-date=23 January 2013 |magazine=Billboard.com}}{{Cite web |last=Robin |first=Murray |date=2010-06-29 |title=Modest Mouse For Open House |url=https://www.clashmusic.com/live/modest-mouse-for-open-house/ |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=Clash Magazine |language=en-GB}}

The new album reached number one on the American Billboard charts in late March 2007. For Marr, this was the first time he had had a number one record in the US. The highest chart position before that was with Electronic, who made the Top 40 in the singles chart with "Getting Away With It".{{cite web |last=Van Isacker |first=Bernard |date=30 March 2007 |title=Former Smiths' guitarplayer reaches Number 1 in this week's American Billboard Chart |url=http://www.side-line.com/news_comments.php?id=P21805_0_2_0 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121002105500/http://www.side-line.com/news_comments.php?id=P21805_0_2_0 |archive-date=2 October 2012 |access-date=23 January 2013 |website=Side-line.com}}

While touring in Los Angeles with Modest Mouse, Marr spent a day in John Frusciante's home studio and contributed to Frusciante's album The Empyrean. He recorded several guitar tracks on songs "Enough of Me" and "Central".{{Cite web |last=Brakes |first=Rod |date=2022-04-08 |title="I Was Playing Entirely With My Ears and Not With My Mind": Johnny Marr on Recording with John Frusciante |url=https://www.guitarplayer.com/news/i-was-playing-entirely-with-my-ears-and-not-with-my-mind-johnny-marr-on-recording-with-john-frusciante |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=Guitar Player |language=en}}

File:Johnny Marr with The Cribs at the 9-30 Club.jpg in 2010.]]

Marr joined the Cribs in 2008, after meeting Gary Jarman when they were both in Portland, Oregon.{{cite news |author=Scott Kara |date=20 February 2010 |title=Marr's Modest Might |website=The New Zealand Herald |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=10627208}} In 2009 they recorded the album Ignore the Ignorant, which was released on 7 September that year and peaked at No. 8 on the UK charts.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/the-cribs/45375|title=Cribs announce new album title and tracklisting – video|website=NME|date=2009-06-16}}{{Cite web |title=ignore the ignorant {{!}} full Official Chart History {{!}} Official Charts Company |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/search/albums/ignore-the-ignorant/ |access-date=2022-04-12 |website=www.officialcharts.com |language=en}} Marr has said the album is "as good as anything I've done".

In April 2011 it was confirmed that Marr would no longer be part of the band.{{cite web|url=http://www.thecribs.com/news.php?id=219 |title=The Cribs back to a 3 piece |date=11 April 2011 |website=Thecribs.com |access-date=11 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110416084408/http://www.thecribs.com/news.php?id=219 |archive-date=16 April 2011 }} Marr, who had been understood to officially leave the band in January, released a statement in which he affirmed that he would be working on solo material "over the next year or so".{{cite web |last=Wilkinson |first=Matt |date=11 April 2011 |title=Johnny Marr leaves The Cribs to pursue solo work |url=https://www.nme.com/news/the-cribs/56040 |access-date=11 April 2011 |work=NME |publisher=IPC Media |location=UK}}

Marr returned to play with the Cribs during the second of two special Christmas shows at Leeds Academy on 19 December 2013.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/the-cribs/74537#4 |title=Johnny Marr joins the Cribs for Leeds Cribsmas Reunion|date=20 December 2013|work=NME|location=UK|publisher=IPC Media|access-date=20 December 2013}}

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In the late 2007, Marr's daughter Sonny performed backing vocals on the track "Even a Child" on Crowded House's album Time on Earth, on which her father Marr played guitars. He played a large role in making the score for the 2010 science-fiction/drama film Inception, which was written and directed by Christopher Nolan. Using a 12-string-guitar, he produced repetitive, simple melancholic tones that became a character theme for the protagonist, played by Leonardo DiCaprio. "I kept coming up with this phrase 'churned-up,'" Marr said, "You've got this character who all the way through the film has this underlying turmoil." Longtime Nolan collaborator, composer Hans Zimmer, penned the soundtrack.{{Cite news|last=Martens|first=Todd|title=Hans Zimmer and Johnny Marr talk about the sad romance of Inception|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=20 July 2010|url= http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/herocomplex/2010/07/inception-christopher-nolan-the-smiths-johnny-marr-hans-zimmer-and-johnny-marr-on-the-sound-of-inception-its-about-sadness.html|access-date=20 July 2010}} Marr has been working since 2007 with Fender to develop and design his own guitar. American Songwriter wrote that "Fender had to modify their manufacturing process due to some of Marr's changes, but it will still sell for around the same price as other American-made Fenders."{{Cite web |last=Inman |first=Davis |date=2012-07-12 |title=Johnny Marr: This Charming Guitar |url=https://americansongwriter.com/johnny-marr-this-charming-guitar-2/ |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=American Songwriter |language=en-US}}

File:Bryanferrygf.JPG in 2012.]]

On 25 February 2013, Marr released his début solo album, The Messenger, in the UK through Warner Bros. and on 26 February in the US through Sire.{{cite web |last=Pelly |first=Jenn |date=5 November 2012 |title=Johnny Marr Announces Solo Debut Full-Length |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/48475-johnny-marr-announces-solo-debut-full-length/ |access-date=5 November 2012 |publisher=Pitchfork Media}} The album was preceded by the single "Upstarts", released in the UK on 18 February 2013. Marr recorded music for the film The Amazing Spider-Man 2 with Hans Zimmer, Pharrell Williams, Michael Einziger and David A. Stewart.{{Cite web |last=Ford |first=Rebecca |date=2013-10-31 |title=Marc Webb, Hans Zimmer Form Supergroup for 'Amazing Spider-Man 2' |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/marc-webb-hans-zimmer-form-652222/ |access-date=2022-04-14 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}

Marr's second solo album, entitled Playland, was released on 6 October 2014.{{cite web|title=Johnny Marr talks Debbie Harry and Spiderman with Absolute Radio at the NME Awards 2014| date=26 February 2014 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zn28SVjQYY| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211102/8zn28SVjQYY| archive-date=2021-11-02 | url-status=live|publisher=Capital Radio|access-date=27 February 2014}}{{cbignore}} He also announced a worldwide tour around the release of the "Playland" album that commenced in the UK on 13 October 2014.{{Cite magazine |last=Payne |first=Chris |date=2014-09-08 |title=Exclusive: Johnny Marr Drops North American Tour Dates, Talks New Solo Album 'Playland' |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/exclusive-johnny-marr-us-tour-dates-playland-2014-interview-autobiography-6243931/ |access-date=2024-08-14 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}} The album's lead single was "Easy Money". In October 2014, Marr appeared as a guest musician for Hans Zimmer at his two concerts, Hans Zimmer: Revealed, at London's Hammersmith Apollo. In December 2014, Marr announced the cancellation of the remainder of his US tour, in support of Playland, due to a close family illness.{{Cite magazine |last=Grow |first=Kory |date=2014-12-08 |title=Johnny Marr Cancels U.S. Tour Due to Family Illness |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/johnny-marr-cancels-u-s-tour-due-to-family-illness-54156/ |access-date=2024-08-14 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}} In January 2016, Marr announced new and rescheduled dates as part of his West Coast 'California Jam' tour, which took place in the US throughout February and March 2016.{{cite web|url=https://www.grimygoods.com/2016/01/12/johnny-marr-california-jam-tour-la-dates-el-rey-theatre-the-glass-house/|title=Johnny Marr announces California Jam Tour with LA Dates at El Rey Theatre and The Glass House - Grimy Goods|website=Grimygoods.com|language=en-US|access-date=2018-03-12|date=2016-01-12}}

Marr features on "Ballad of the Mighty I", the second single from Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds' Chasing Yesterday, playing lead guitar, and joined the band for this song at a concert in Manchester. Marr contributed the track "My Monster" for the Blondie album Pollinator,{{cite magazine|last=Geslani |first=Michelle |url=http://consequenceofsound.net/2017/02/blondie-announce-new-star-studded-album-pollinator-share-ridiculously-catchy-single-fun-listen/ |title=Blondie announce new star-studded album, Pollinator, share ridiculously catchy single "Fun" — listen |magazine=Consequence of Sound |date=1 February 2017 |access-date=15 May 2017}} released on 5 May 2017. On 12 March 2018 Marr announced his third solo album, Call the Comet.{{cite news|url=http://www.post-punk.com/johnny-marr-announces-call-the-comet/|title=Johnny Marr announces "Call the Comet"-His Upcoming Third Solo LP|website=Post-Punk.com|access-date=2018-03-27}}

Marr performed a set on The Other Stage at the 2019 Glastonbury Festival on 29 June,{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/events/er3v9r/acts/a84hp6|title=Johnny Marr - Acts - Glastonbury 2019 - BBC|website=Bbc.co.uk|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-01-26|date=2019-06-29}} and later joined the Killers during their headline set on the Pyramid Stage to play guitar on "This Charming Man" and "Mr. Brightside" as part of the band's encore.{{cite web|url=https://www.radiox.co.uk/artists/the-killers/johnny-marr-brightside-pet-shop-glasto-2019-set/|title=Johnny Marr joins The Killers for This Charming Man & Mr. Brightside at Glastonbury 2019|website=Radiox.co.uk|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-01-26|date=2019-06-30}}

As Hans Zimmer composed for the James Bond film No Time to Die, Marr was brought in to perform in the score. He also played guitar in the theme song performed by Billie Eilish,{{Cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/johnny-marr-james-bond-no-time-to-die-score-interview-billie-eilish-finneas-franchise-3060391|title=Johnny Marr on penning the 'No Time To Die' soundtrack: "I'm making a lot of nasty, nasty noises"|website=Nme.com|date=1 October 2021|access-date=25 February 2022}} and was present during the track's live debut at the 2020 Brit Awards.{{Cite news|last=Costa|first=Cassie da|url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/billie-eilishs-bond-theme-no-time-to-die-is-sleek-sexy-and-a-bit-of-a-bore|title=Billie Eilish's Bond Theme Is Sleek, Sorta Sexy, and a Bit of a Bore|date=February 14, 2020|work=The Daily Beast|access-date=February 14, 2020}} In August 2021, Marr signed a new worldwide album deal with BMG{{cite news|url=https://www.musicweek.com/labels/read/johnny-marr-signs-new-worldwide-album-deal-with-bmg/083842|title=Johnny Marr signs new worldwide album deal with BMG|website=Music Week|access-date=2018-08-06}} and on 31 August he debuted a new single titled "Spirit Power & Soul" on his social media platforms, a song taken from his EP, Fever Dreams Pt 1, that was released on 15 October 2021.{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CTPsgtWqAhb/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/CTPsgtWqAhb |archive-date=26 December 2021 |url-access=registration|title=Johnny Marr Instagram|website=instagram.com|language=en-GB|access-date=2021-08-31|date=2021-08-31}}{{cbignore}} His fourth solo album, Fever Dreams Pts 1-4, which is also his first double LP, was released on 25 February 2022.{{Cite web|date=2021-10-13|title=Johnny Marr announces details of his new double album 'Fever Dreams Pts 1-4'|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/johnny-marr-announces-details-of-his-new-double-album-fever-dreams-pts-1-4-3069065|access-date=2021-10-19|website=NME|language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |date=2022-02-24 |title=Johnny Marr – 'Fever Dreams Pts 1-4' review: The hardest-working man in indie strikes again |url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/album/johnny-marr-fever-dreams-pts-1-4-review-3166480 |access-date=2022-04-14 |website=NME |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |last=Hansen |first=Susan |date=2022-02-28 |title=Waking From A Fever Dream: Johnny Marr Interviewed |url=https://www.clashmusic.com/features/waking-from-a-fever-dream-johnny-marr-interviewed/ |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=Clash Magazine |language=en-GB}} Marr would join the Killers for their 2022 tour to promote the 2020 album Imploding the Mirage, providing an opening act for the American tour dates and also joining the Killers for a Smiths cover and "Mr. Brightside" in the encore. The Los Angeles tour date saw the Killers and Marr also performing on stage with former Fleetwood Mac guitarist Lindsey Buckingham.{{cite web |url=https://www.spin.com/2022/08/lindsey-buckingham-the-killers-johnny-marr-los-angeles/ |title=Lindsey Buckingham, Johnny Marr Join The Killers In Los Angeles |last=Kohn |first=Daniel |date=August 28, 2022 |website= |publisher=SPIN |access-date=August 28, 2022 }}

In November 2023, the album Spirit Power: The Best Of Johnny Marr was released that included highlights from his four solo albums plus two new studio recordings.{{cite web |last1=Geraghty |first1=Hollie |title=Johnny Marr announces compilation album 'Spirit Power: The Best Of Johnny Marr' and shares new single 'Somewhere' |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/johnny-marr-announces-compilation-album-spirit-power-the-best-of-johnny-marr-and-shares-new-single-somewhere-3500875 |website=NME |date=20 September 2023 |publisher=NME Networks |access-date=20 September 2023}} An accompanying UK tour was also announced, with gigs played in Newcastle, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Wolverhampton, Cardiff, Bristol, London, Brighton and Nottingham during April 2024.{{cite web |last1=Geraghty |first1=Hollie |title=Johnny Marr announces 2024 'Spirit Power' greatest hits UK tour |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/johnny-marr-announces-2024-spirit-power-greatest-hits-uk-tour-buy-tickets-3519710 |website=NME |date=23 October 2023 |publisher=NME Networks |access-date=23 October 2023}}

Marr's three biggest influences on guitar were Nile Rodgers, Bert Jansch, and James Williamson from the Stooges.{{cite web | url= https://www.musicradar.com/news/johnny-marr-explains-his-three-biggest-guitar-influences | title=Johnny Marr explains his three biggest guitar influences: "Hand In Glove started out as a Chic riff" | work=MusicRadar | first=Rob | last=Laing | date=6 September 2023 |access-date=20 August 2024}} His jangly guitarwork in the Smiths was influenced by Neil Young and Danny Whitten of Crazy Horse and Pretenders guitarist James Honeyman-Scott.{{Cite web |last=Gore |first=Joe |date=October 17, 2023 |title="People like Yngwie Malmsteen should be forgotten as soon as possible. It's got very little to do with music..." A classic and very frank interview with Johnny Marr |url=https://www.guitarplayer.com/lessons/johnny-marr-interview-1990 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241228182227/https://www.guitarplayer.com/lessons/johnny-marr-interview-1990 |archive-date=December 28, 2024 |access-date=January 25, 2024 |website=Guitar Player |quote=Actually, a lot of it [Marr's jangly guitarwork] comes from Neil Young and Danny Whitten of Crazy Horse, but as if they were in a pop group. And it was George Harrison who influenced me to get a Rickenbacker. " Ticket To Ride" – what a brilliant song! But most of all, the jingle-jangle came from James Honeyman-Scott of the Pretenders. He was the last important influence on my playing before I went out on my own. The first time I played " Kid" with the Pretenders, I couldn't believe it. I've used that solo to warm up with every day for years.}} He has also stated that the Beatles' George Harrison, and in particular his playing in the Beatles song "Ticket to Ride", inspired Marr to play Rickenbacker 12-string guitars.

During his time in the Smiths, Marr often tuned his guitar up a full step to F{{music|sharp}} to accommodate Morrissey's vocal range, and also used open tunings. He is known for creating arpeggio melodies and (sometimes) unusual chord progressions, and makes wide use of open strings while chording to create chiming. When performing with the Smiths, he wanted to play music which was pop. "100% of my focus was on providing interesting guitar hooks and putting some kind of space-age twist on the guitarist's role. The pop guitarist crossed with the mad professor. That's how I thought of myself."{{cite web |title=Johnny Marr: 'I'm often asked to tell my story |url=http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/music-news/johnny-marr-im-often-asked-to-tell-my-story-eventually-i-couldnt-turn-it-down-34113198.html |website=Independent.ie |date=17 October 2015 |access-date=1 May 2016}} In a 2007 interview for the BBC, Marr said that his goal with the Smiths was to "pare down" his style and avoid rock guitar clichés.BBC Four, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VozP2JzueI Johnny Marr - The Joy Of The Guitar Riff], accessed 2018-04-07

Citing producer Phil Spector as an influence, Marr said, "I like the idea of records, even those with plenty of space, that sound 'symphonic'. I like the idea of all the players merging into one atmosphere".Joe Gore, "Guitar Anti-hero", Guitar Player, January 1990. Marr was also influenced by Rory Gallagher,{{cite web | url= https://www.loudersound.com/features/under-the-influence-johnny-marr | title=Under The Influence: Johnny Marr on Rory Gallagher | work=Louder | first=Alice | last=Clark | date=20 May 2014 |access-date=20 August 2024}} Pete Townshend of the Who,{{cite web | url=https://www.mojo4music.com/articles/21101/q-and-a-johnny-marr-the-who | title="Pete Townshend is the Best of the '60s Guitarists" Johnny Marr|website=Mojo4music.com}} Jimi Hendrix,{{cite web | url=https://www.guitarplayer.com/lessons/johnny-marr-guitar-lesson | title=The Ultimate Johnny Marr Guitar Lesson | work=Guitar Player | first=Patrick | last=Brennan | date=29 September 2023 |access-date=20 August 2024}} John McGeoch of Magazine and Siouxsie and the Banshees, and John McLaughlin, who he called "the greatest guitar player that's ever lived"."Johnny Marr's Top Ten Guitarists", Uncut, November 2004. Marr's selections are [http://www.morrissey-solo.com/threads/91739-Johnny-Marr-s-Top-Ten-Guitarists summarised] at morrissey-solo.com, 12 October 2008. Retrieved 8 January 2012.{{Cite web |last=Laing |first=Rob |date=2022-11-30 |title=Johnny Marr's choice for the greatest guitarist of all time is surprising - and his new pedalboard is too |url=https://www.musicradar.com/news/johnny-marr-interview-guitar-hero-pedalboard |access-date=2024-03-19 |website=MusicRadar |language=en}} When forming the Smiths, the Velvet Underground was a key influence, along with Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones.{{citation |author=Fletcher, Tony |title=The Boy Looked at Johnny |work=Mojo |issue=October 2012 |page=72}} Marc Bolan of T. Rex also had a strong impact on him because of the groove and the sound that put the listener in a daze.{{citation |author=Besse, Marc |url=http://www.lesinrocks.com/1999/04/21/musique/les-attrape-coeurs-johnny-marr-11229862/ |title=Johnny Marr|website=Lesinrocks.com |date=24 April 1999 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160720142837/http://www.lesinrocks.com/1999/04/21/musique/les-attrape-coeurs-johnny-marr-11229862/ |access-date=4 January 2015|archive-date=20 July 2016 }} He explained, "I try to think about the guitar along the spectrum of James Williamson, who was in the Stooges during the Raw Power era, on the one hand to John McLaughlin and his solo record, My Goal's Beyond. I like all the spectrum in between, and that might be – and is – Richard Lloyd of Television, John McGeoch from Siouxsie and the Banshees, Nile Rodgers. To me these people are magicians and artists."{{cite web |date=17 December 2014 |title=An interview with Johnny Marr |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/lifestyle/blogcritics/article/An-Interview-with-Johnny-Marr-5965562.php |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918063411/http://www.seattlepi.com/lifestyle/blogcritics/article/An-Interview-with-Johnny-Marr-5965562.php |archive-date=18 September 2016 |access-date=1 December 2015 |website=Seattle Post-Intelligencer}}

When Marr started to sing as a solo artist in 2012, he said, "[The frontpersons] I related to were Peter Perrett, Colin Newman, Pete Shelley, Siouxsie Sioux. They were singing from the mind and had integrity."{{citation |first=Lois |last=Wilson |title=Johnny Marr Now! |work= Mojo |issue=October 2012 |page=71}} He added, "I'm absolutely not interested in being the frontman in a band that bares my soul or feelings in song. Siouxsie Sioux, or Ray Davies, or Howard Devoto don't sing from some weird, shlocky, sentimental place. What's wrong with singing from the brain?".{{cite web |first= Michael |last=Parker|title=In The Works Johnny Marr |url=http://www.clashmusic.com/features/in-the-works-johnny-marr |website=Clashmusic.com|date=25 January 2013 |access-date=2 May 2013}}

File:AIM independent music awards 2019 26.jpg

Marr has used a variety of guitars throughout his career, but these are his most notable instruments:

• Fender Jaguar – He has played a Jaguar since 2005, and in 2012 Fender issued the Johnny Marr Signature Fender Jaguar, which has several modifications, including specially voiced Johnny Marr custom pickups by Bare Knuckle Pickups and a four position blade switch.{{cite news|title=Fender Johnny Marr Jaguar|last=Molenda|first=Michael|date=September 2012|work=Guitar Player|pages=122–23}}
• Rickenbacker 330 – This guitar is most often associated with Marr due to its 'jangly' sound for which he is known. He played it with the Smiths and it can also be seen in the promotional video for "Vivid" by Electronic. He also owns a "360" 12-string model that belonged to Pete Townshend.{{cite web|url=http://www.geocities.ws/smithssupernova/interviews/post7/this.htm |title=Johnny Marr interviewed for The Guitar Magazine January |website=Geocities.ws |access-date=15 May 2017}} Marr acknowledged that many of the songs that were thought to have been recorded on this Rickenbacker were, in fact, recorded on a Fender Telecaster.{{Cite web|title=Johnny Marr's Gear|url=http://www.smithsonguitar.com/2008/12/johnny-marrs-gear.html|access-date=2021-05-08}}
• Fender Stratocaster - Marr used a 1962 Fender Stratocaster to record "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out" and for much of the Smiths' 1986 UK and US tours. He also used a 1963 Fender Stratocaster to record "The Boy with a Thorn in his Side" which was one of his main guitars on the 1986 tour. Marr also owned a sunburst 1965 Fender Stratocaster, serial number L68296, that eventually wound up in the possession of Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher.{{cite web | url=https://www.strat-talk.com/threads/artist-owned-serial-numbers.537985/page-8 | title='Artist-owned' serial numbers | date=29 March 2020 }}
• Fender Telecaster - while Marr was associated with the Rickenbacker 330, he admitted that many of the "jangly" songs that were recorded by the Smiths were in fact done with John Porter's 1954 Telecaster, including "This Charming Man".
• Gibson Les Paul – Marr owns several, including a rare 1960 model. His cardinal red Les Paul was acquired in 1984 and was used extensively with the Smiths and with The The, appearing in the video for "Dogs of Lust". He has now added a Bigsby tremolo system to this guitar as well as Seymour Duncan pick-ups with coil taps. He gave his 1960 model (also previously owned by Pete Townshend) to Noel Gallagher during Oasis's formative years. Gallagher broke the guitar's neck hitting a fan who jumped on stage. Marr then gave Gallagher yet another vintage (black) Gibson Les Paul (used on much of The Queen is Dead) so Oasis could carry on touring.{{cite web|url=https://equipboard.com/pros/noel-gallagher/1960-gibson-les-paul |title=1960 Gibson Les Paul Electric Guitar | Equipboard® |website=Equipboard.com |access-date=15 January 2019}}
• Gibson ES-355 – His cherry red model was used heavily with the Smiths during 1984 and inspired Suede guitarist Bernard Butler and Noel Gallagher to buy one for themselves. It was bought for him by Seymour Stein in New York as an incentive for the Smiths to sign to his label, Sire Records.{{cite web|url=https://www.musicradar.com/news/in-pictures-johnny-marrs-gear-collection|title=In pictures: Johnny Marr's gear collection|last=Guitars|first=Rod Brakes2018-08-21T09:10:05Z|website=MusicRadar|date=21 August 2018|language=en|access-date=2019-08-09}} He also owns a black model, which appears in the videos for "Forbidden City" and "For You" by Electronic, and a sunburst, 12-string model that was used heavily on the Smiths' final LP, Strangeways, Here We Come. This 12 string model was later given to Bernard Butler.{{Cite web|url=https://guitar.com/guides/johnny-marr-a-unique-guitar-hero-with-a-chameleonic-talent/|title = Guitar Legends: Johnny Marr – a unique guitar hero with a chameleonic talent|date = 19 November 2020}}
• Gibson SG – Marr used a cherry red SG as his main guitar when playing with the Healers. He also owns a unique, blonde SG.{{cite web |url=http://www2.gibson.com/News-Lifestyle/Features/en-us/johnny-marr-showcases-guitars.aspx |title=The Smiths' Johnny Marr Showcases His 'Guitarchestra' |website=Gibson.com |date=19 December 2008 |access-date=1 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140731160158/http://www2.gibson.com/news-lifestyle/features/en-us/johnny-marr-showcases-guitars.aspx |archive-date=31 July 2014 |url-status=dead }}
• Fender Jazzmaster – Marr used several Jazzmasters while he was a member of Modest Mouse.

Marr owns 132 guitars.{{cite magazine | url= https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2023/11/27/johnny-marr-loves-his-axes | title=Johnny Marr loves his axes | magazine=The New Yorker | first=John | last=Seabrook | date=20 November 2023 |access-date=21 August 2024}} In September 2023, a book titled Marr's Guitars was published, showcasing 53 of his favourite electric and acoustic guitars.{{cite web | url= https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/oct/16/johnny-marr-guitars-smiths-noel-gallagher-still-ill-difference | title='Mind-boggling': Johnny Marr on his 53 favourite guitars – and the one Noel Gallagher smashed | work=The Guardian | first=Andy | last=Welch | date=16 October 2023 |access-date=20 August 2024}}{{cite magazine |last1=Seabrook |first1=John |title=Johnny Marr Loves his Axes |url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2023/11/27/johnny-marr-loves-his-axes |magazine=The New Yorker |date=20 November 2023 |publisher=Conde Nast |access-date=20 November 2023}}

Marr has used Fender Amplifiers almost exclusively throughout his career. During his time with the Smiths, he used a Twin Reverb, a Deluxe Reverb and a Bassman amongst others. He also used a Fender Champ with {{Not a typo|The The}} and the Cribs. When playing with the Cribs, he used a Super Reverb. Marr's love of the Fender sound continues to this day with his Deluxe Reverb. He has used other amps, including the Roland JC-120, Vox AC30, Mesa Boogie and Marshall cabinets. Marr typically uses Boss effects units, notably that company's CE-2 chorus effect, the TW-1 touch wah wah pedal, and the OD-2 overdrive pedal.Dowsett, Peter. Audio Production Tips: Getting the Sound Right at the Source. CRC Press, 2015. p. 387

File:Johnny Marr 2 (7514108176).jpg

In 2007 Marr was appointed as a visiting professor in music at the University of Salford, where he delivered an inaugural lecture (on 4 November 2008), and a series of workshops and masterclasses to students on the BA (Hons) Popular Music and Recording programme.{{cite web |date=18 October 2007 |title=Johnny Marr appointed visiting professor |url=http://www.salford.ac.uk/news/details/596 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071020034203/http://www.salford.ac.uk/news/details/596 |archive-date=20 October 2007 |access-date=3 December 2007 |publisher=University of Salford}}

On 19 July 2012, he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Salford for "outstanding achievements" and "changing the face of British guitar music".{{cite news |author=Qureshi, Yakub |date=20 July 2012 |title=Ex-Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr honoured by Salford University for services to pop music |newspaper=Manchester Evening News |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1584026_ex-smiths-guitarist-johnny-marr-honoured-by-salford-university-for-services-to-pop-music |url-status=dead |access-date=23 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120728031440/http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1584026_ex-smiths-guitarist-johnny-marr-honoured-by-salford-university-for-services-to-pop-music |archive-date=28 July 2012}} In 2013, Marr received NME's "Godlike Genius" award. The magazine stated, "Not content with rewriting the history of music with one of the world's greatest-ever bands, the Smiths, he's continued to push boundaries and evolve throughout his career, working with some of the best and most exciting artists on the planet."

On 3 November 2018, Marr unveiled a plaque in his parents' hometown of Athy in County Kildare, Ireland. This was part of the Made of Athy project.{{cite web|url=https://www.rte.ie/entertainment/2018/1103/1008431-johnny-marr-meets-relatives-and-fans-in-athy/ |title=Johnny Marr unveils plaque honouring his Athy roots |website=Rte.ie |date=2018-11-05 |access-date=2020-04-29}}

File:Johnny Marr accepts Made of Athy Award.jpg

On 19 January 2021, Marr received the Boss Lifetime Achievement Award as part of the NAMM music industry trade show.{{cite news|last=Bienstock|first=Richard|date=2021-01-20|title=Johnny Marr receives Boss Lifetime Achievement Award at NAMM Believe in Music Week|url=https://www.guitarworld.com/news/johnny-marr-receives-boss-lifetime-achievement-award-at-namm-believe-in-music-week|url-status=live|work=Guitar World|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210401152711/https://www.guitarworld.com/news/johnny-marr-receives-boss-lifetime-achievement-award-at-namm-believe-in-music-week|archive-date=2021-04-01|access-date=2021-04-01}}

Marr was the titular subject of the 2007 single "Johnny Marr" by the Canadian singer Carole Pope, formerly of the band Rough Trade. Pope described her inspiration and choice of Marr thus: "I was actually getting nostalgic, which I never really do, about living on a certain street in Toronto in the '80s. The Smiths were the soundtrack of that time. I love [...] Morrissey, but I know he's trouble."{{Cite web|url=http://www.canada.com/story.html?id=33dcc102-caf5-4a60-97de-e17406fdc79c|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924122913/http://www.canada.com/story.html?id=33dcc102-caf5-4a60-97de-e17406fdc79c|url-status=dead|title=Edmonton Journal, "Carole Pope hasn't lost capacity to shock," Sandra Sperounes, 13 September 2007 (reprinted on canada.com)|archive-date=24 September 2015}}

Marr is the subject of "Johnny Marr Is Dead" by the Brian Jonestown Massacre, but he is not mentioned in the lyrics. He is also the subject of Clear's 2003 single satirising the music industry, "Johnny Marr Was a Mistake".{{Cite web|publisher=YouTube|title=Clear "Johnny Marr was a mistake"|date=January 2007 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yf8XmwF-tJk| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211102/yf8XmwF-tJk| archive-date=2021-11-02 | url-status=live|language=en|access-date=2019-10-07}}{{cbignore}} He is mentioned in the 1988 single "John Kettley Is a Weatherman" by British band A Tribe of Toffs.

Marr is portrayed by Laurie Kynaston in the Morrissey biopic England Is Mine (2017).

Marr and his wife Angie have been together since 1979,{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2009/jul/19/body-soul-johnny-marr|title=My body & soul|date=18 July 2009|newspaper=The Guardian}} before the Smiths formed.Doran, John (19 February 2013). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIHbCjop4aw Johnny Marr – The British Masters – Chapter 4]. Noisey, hosted by YouTube. They have two children, Sonny and Nile Marr. Nile is also a musician, and was frontman of the band Man Made before going solo. After residing in Portland, Oregon, for more than five years, the family returned to Britain for Marr to record his solo album in Manchester.

Marr gave up eating meat around 1985 in solidarity with Morrissey and Angie.{{cite web|author=Edward Lane |url=http://www.menshealth.co.uk/healthy/addictions/johnny-marr-healthy-lifestyle-running-habit |title=Johnny Marr: Press rewind on your liver|website=Menshealth.co.uk |date=18 June 2014 |access-date=15 May 2017}} He stated: "It's not a good idea to have a number one album called Meat Is Murder and be seen eating a bacon sarnie." After meeting American rap group Naughty by Nature, he was inspired by their philosophy of strength through health, and soon after quit drinking and smoking, and converted to veganism.{{cite news|author=Simon Hattenstone |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/oct/29/johnny-marr-the-smiths-morrissey-simon-hattenstone |title=Johnny Marr: 'The conversation about re-forming came out of the blue' |newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=15 May 2017}} Marr is a keen runner, and completed the 2010 New York Marathon in a time of 3:54:18.{{Cite news|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6296982/musicians-who-have-run-marathons-sean-combs-alanis-morissette-joe-strummer-johnny-marr|title=From Diddy to Alanis Morissette, These Musicians Have Turned Marathon Runners|website=Billboard.com|access-date=2017-06-13}} Marr has been a supporter of Manchester City F.C. since 1972,{{cite web|url =https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/sep/28/pep-guardiola-meets-johnny-marr-when-we-lose-its-as-if-weve-killed-someone|title =Pep Guardiola meets Johnny Marr: 'When we lose, it's as if we've killed someone'|first =Amy|last =Raphael|website =The Guardian|date =28 September 2019}} and has been seen attending games.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2009/jul/19/body-soul-johnny-marr|title=My Body & Soul – Johnny Marr, musician|newspaper=The Observer|date=19 July 2009|access-date=26 February 2013}} Marr is a patron of the Manchester Modernist Society.{{Cite web|url=https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/feature-have-post-war-university-buildings-passed-their-sell-by-date/10016704.article|title=Feature: Have post-war university buildings passed their sell-by date?|first=Kate|last=Youde|website=Architects Journal|date=25 January 2017}}

Marr has said that he does not consider himself English or British, saying, "Anyone who looks back on the past 30 years of my career will know that I've always described myself as Mancunian Irish. I was the first of my family to be born in England. I've never described myself as British or English. I'm either Mancunian or Mancunian Irish – that is a culture and a nationality that is a thing unto itself."{{cite news |last1=Power |first1=Ed |title=Johnny Marr: 'I'm often asked to tell my story - eventually I couldn't turn it down' |url=https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/music-news/johnny-marr-im-often-asked-to-tell-my-story-eventually-i-couldnt-turn-it-down/34113198.html |access-date=24 April 2024 |work=Irish Independent |date=17 October 2015}}

{{Infobox artist discography

| Artist = Johnny Marr

| Image =

| Caption =

| Studio = 4

| EP = 3

| Live = 4

| Compilation = 2

| Video =

| Singles = 21

| Music videos = 19

| Soundtrack = 4

}}

The Smiths

{{Main|The Smiths discography}}

• The Smiths (1984)
• Meat Is Murder (1985)
• The Queen Is Dead (1986)
• Strangeways, Here We Come (1987)

The The

• Mind Bomb (1989)
• Dusk (1993)
• Solitude (1993)

Electronic

• Electronic (1991)
• Raise the Pressure (1996)
• Twisted Tenderness (1999)

7 Worlds Collide

• 7 Worlds Collide (2001)
• The Sun Came Out (2009)

Johnny Marr and the Healers

• Boomslang (2003)

Modest Mouse

• We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank (2007)
• No One's First and You're Next (2009)

The Cribs

• Ignore the Ignorant (2009)

{{for|a complete discography|Johnny Marr guest musician recordings}}

In the 1980s and 1990s, Marr played on three Billy Bragg recordings. In the late 1980s, he performed on albums by Bryan Ferry and Talking Heads. In the 1990s and 2000s, he performed on three Pet Shop Boys albums, and also plays guitar and harmonica on their Xenomania-produced album, Yes, released in 2009. In the 1990s, he also performed on albums by M People, Beck and Tom Jones. In the 2000s, he played on albums by bands such as Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, Pearl Jam, Jane Birkin, Lisa Germano and Crowded House. He also plays guitar on Girls Aloud's fifth album, Out of Control, on a track entitled "Rolling Back the Rivers in Time", as well as harmonica on the track "Love Is the Key". He also appeared on two tracks ("Enough of Me"{{cite web|author=Sean Westergaard |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-empyrean-mw0000806472 |title=The Empyrean - John Frusciante | Songs, Reviews, Credits |website=AllMusic |date=2009-01-20 |access-date=2020-04-29}} and "Central") on John Frusciante's album The Empyrean which was released January 2009.

As well as his solo albums he has also produced albums for The Smiths, Electronic and Johnny Marr + The Healers.

Marr's recording of "Life Is Sweet", the theme song he wrote for the Channel Four Sitcom The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret, was released on Echo Records.

Marr's cover version of the Depeche Mode track "I Feel You" was in support of Record Store Day.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/johnny-marr/83604 |title=NME report on Marr's Depeche Mode cover version |work=Nme|date=17 March 2015 |access-date=15 May 2017}} Its B-side was a version of "Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want" (live).

The non-album single "Armatopia" was selected for the soundtrack for eFootball Pro Evolution Soccer 2020.

As well as his solo singles he has also produced singles for The Smiths, Electronic and Johnny Marr + The Healers.

{{Reflist|refs=

{{cite web|url=http://www.salford.ac.uk/home-page/news/2012/this-charming-grad-johnny-marr-honoured-by-university |title=This Charming Grad – Johnny Marr honoured by University |publisher=University of Salford |date=19 July 2012 |access-date=13 September 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120716192313/http://www.salford.ac.uk/home-page/news/2012/this-charming-grad-johnny-marr-honoured-by-university |archive-date=16 July 2012 }}

{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-18741208|title=Johnny Marr to get University of Salford doctorate|work=BBC News|publisher=BBC|date=6 July 2012|access-date=13 September 2012}}

{{cite web|url=http://www.smithsonguitar.com/2008/12/johnny-marrs-gear.html|title=Johnny Marr's Gear|publisher=Smiths on Guitar|access-date=23 January 2013}}}}

• {{cite book|last=Rogan|first=Johnny|title=The Smiths: The Visual Documentary|publisher=Omnibus Press|place=London|year=1994|isbn=978-0-711-93337-8}}
• {{cite book|last=Marr|first=Johnny|title=Set The Boy Free: The Autobiography|publisher=Century|place=London|year=2016|isbn=978-1-780-89432-4}}

{{Commons category|Johnny Marr}}

{{Wikiquote|Johnny Marr}}

• {{Official website|http://johnnymarr.com/}}
• [http://www.officialsmiths.co.uk/ Official The Smiths Website]
• {{IMDb name|id=0549995|name=Johnny Marr}}
• [https://www.discogs.com/artist/37120-Johnny-Marr Discogs] (Johnny Marr Discography)

{{Johnny Marr|state=expanded}}

{{The Pretenders}}

{{The Smiths}}

{{Electronic (band)}}

{{ModestMouse}}

{{The Cribs}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Marr, Johnny}}

Category:1963 births

Category:Living people

Category:Academics of the University of Salford

Category:Irish alternative rock musicians

Category:Irish harmonica players

Category:Electronic (band) members

Category:Irish autobiographers

Category:Irish male guitarists

Category:Irish male singers

Category:Irish record producers

Category:Irish republicans

Category:Irish rock guitarists

Category:Irish male songwriters

Category:Modest Mouse members

Category:Musicians from Manchester

Category:NME Awards winners

Category:People from Ardwick

Category:The Cribs members

Category:The Pretenders members

Category:The Smiths members

Category:The The members

Category:Warner Records artists